Packing carton for revolvers and the like



D. l. SMALL PACKING CARTON FOR. REVOLVFRS AND THE LIKE April Filed April 10, 1967 Sheet April 29, 1969 0. SMALL PACKING CARTON FOR REVOLVERS AND THE LIKE 7 Filed April 10, 1967 INVENTOR. 1707212112. 1. 5771221] April 29, 1969- 0.1. SMALL PACKING CARTON FOR REVOLVERS AND THE LIKE Filed April 10. 1967 Sheet ll llllll INVENTOR. 5077:2151 Z. inn/f BY a w' #2101 Mon?! United States Patent 3,441,125 PACKING CARTON FOR REVOLVERS AND THE LIKE Donald I. Small, West Springfield, Mass., assignor to Longview Fibre Company, a corporation of Delaware Filed Apr. 10, 1967, Ser. No. 629,454 Int. Cl. 365d /50 US. Cl. 20645.14 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A packing carton, for revolvers and like articles, of one piece rectangular tray construction having an extension of one side wall folded inwardly from the top edge thereof, a mounting post as a trigger guard pin extending from the bottom wall of the tray adjacent one of the longer sidewalls thereof in a generally central relationship thereto, said side wall extension being folded interiorly of the tray and defining at one side of the carton interior first and second internal vertical walls, the first of said walls being spaced from the post and disposed in diagonal relationship to one corner of the other of the longer sidewalls, the second vertical wall being positioned to provide a bracing portion in opposed spaced relation to said first wall for holding a revolver barrel placed along said first wall when the trigger guard of the revolver is placed on said post, the post providing a pivot point for disposing the barrel of a revolver in braced relation between said ver tical walls and directed generally towards one corner end of the first of the longer sidewalls of the carton with the butt end disposed generally towards the corner at the other end thereof.

This invention relates to packing cartons for revolvers or pistols and the like and particularly to a rectangular tray construction preferably folded and formed from a single piece blank of flat cardboard or corrugated paper sheet stock.

Heretofore, packing cartons for articles such as revolvers have generally been either of an inexpensive nature, as a simple covered box or tray in which the article may be placed with or Without packing material to cushion the same during handling, or as a specialized carton or box of a relatively expensive type in which supporting framework portions are incorporated to position and hold the article for display purposes and for protection against the hazards of rough handling as, for example, during shipment. The lack of real protection in the case of a simple box particularly without loose packing materials, and the drawbacks to an expensive box of a custom built nature are obvious. The present invention is designed to provide advantages of both types and to form an inexpensive single piece carton of paperboard material in which provision is made for an attractive display of an article such as a revolver or pistol for sales purposes; for readily inserting or removing the same from the carton in which it is supported; for affording ample protection of revolver parts against rough handling of the carton; and for serving to accommodate in a single carton size a ivariety of different [revolver models within a given range of bar-rel length.

The above and other advantages of the invention will be seen from the following description of two embodiments thereof as shown by the accompanying drawings, in which,

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a flat one piece blank embodying the invention with the various sections thereof defined by fold lines;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view with parts cut away and and in section to show details of the tray structure as assembled from the blank shown by FIG. 1;

3,441,125 Patented Apr. 29, 1969 FIG. 3 is a top plan of the tray shown by FIG. 2 having an outline of a revolver positioned therein;

FIG. 4 is a detailed fragmentary view on line 44 of of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary plan view of a modification of a portion of the blank shown by FIG. 1; and

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary perspective view of a tray assembled from the modification shown by FIG. 5.

Referring to FIG. 1, the inner face of a blank is shown having a rectangular bottom wall portion 2. Joined to the longer sides of the bottom 2 are side walls at 4 and 6, these being the rear and front walls respectively of the blank as shown. The shorter side or end walls are at 8 and 10. At each end of the front and rear walls, respectively, are end flap 12 for securing the tray assembly. Cooperating with flaps 12 are end wall extensions at 14 and 16 joined by parallel fold lines at 15 to the outer or upper edges of the walls 8 and 10 respectively. In the bottom wall 2 are slots 18 cut centrally and inwardly at the short sides thereof to receive centrally positioned tongues 20 on the outer edges of wall extensions 14 and 16.

At the outer or top edge of the rear or back side wall 4 is a cover panel 22 having side and front tucker flaps 24.

The blank as thus far described is assembled in conventional manner (FIG. 2) by turning the rear and front side walls 4 and 6 upwardly in perpendicular relation to the bottom wall; turning the end flaps 12 inwardly of the shorter sides or ends of the bottom 2 and then turning these sides 8 and 10 upwardly and folding extensions 14 and 16 downwardly over flaps 12 to lock the side walls in assembled relation by inserting the tongues 20 into slots (see FIG. 4). This forms the tray having a foldable cover 22 adapted to swing into overlying relationship, the tucker flaps 24 being insertable inwardly of the end and front walls. The rectangular tray assembly as thus far described can readily be seen from the assembled views of FIGS. 2 and 3.

The interior of the tray carton is further provided with an extension of the front side wall 6 (FIG. 1). This extension, indicated generally by numeral 28, is joined to wall 6 by the double fold line 29. Extension 28 includes an inner front wall portion 30, to be folded from the top edge of wall 6, and a botton wall floor portion 32 joined thereto along the fold line at 31. Adjacent fold line 31 and offset slightly to the left of the center of portion 30 is a trigger guard post hole 33 cut in the floor portion 32.

The floor 32 (FIG. 2) covers substantially half the bottom wall area of the tray and in association therewith as at the right hand side of the tray is a set of foldable panels to form a pair of vertical retainer or positioning walls, as for the barrel of a revolver and a horizontal upper deck panel portion.

Referring to the blank of FIG. 1, a first vertical wall portion 34 lies in spaced relation to the post hole 33 and is foldably joined to the floor 32 along a lower fold line 35 which is diagonally related to the adjacent outer corner of the blank. A top fold line 37 of wall 34 is parallel to fold line 35 and provides the upper corner or edge of a horizontal deck portion indicated at 38.

At one end edge of the wall 34 is a cut line at 36 thus separating it from the floor 32. When wall 34 is turned upwardly (see FIG. 2) and deck portion 38 is turned into its horizontally assembled relation, the outer deck edge at 39 abuts the upper edge of back wall 4. An opening 40 is provided to the chamber under deck 38 by the spacing of edge 36 from wall 4. It will also be noted from FIGS. 1 and 2 that deck 38 is supported in the elevated position above floor 2 by a supporting flap 41 hinged along fold line 39' of the deck. This flap 41 is tucked against the inside face of end wall extension 16 and outer edge is supported on bottom wall 2.

Referring again to the vertical retainer wall 34, the side edge opposite cut edge 36 is defined by a fold line 42. Extending from this fold line is a yieldable free flap 43, the upper edge of which is cut along line 44 (FIG. 1) separating it from the edge of deck 38. The lower edge of flap 43 is out along a generally right angled corner indicated by numeral 46. This forms a yieldable free flap 58 of a second vertical wall portion 50 as will be described. The outer end edge of flap 43 is defined along the angled cutlines 48 and 49. Flap 43 as will be seen from FIG. 2 is adapted to swing underneath the deck 38.

The second vertical wall portion at 50 (see FIG. 2) is foldably joined to the floor 32 along a fold line 52, being at right angles to floor fold line 31 (see FIG. 1). This wall portion 50 in forming the blank is severed from the inmy front portion 30 along a cut line indicated at 54.

Opposite the cut edge 54 portion 50 is also provided with a fold line 56 having joined thereto the yieldable free flap 58 cut from the flap portion 43- by the perpendicular lines 46 before mentioned, and from floor 32 by the cut line at 60.

Referring back to the fold line 52 of wall portion 50 a parallel double fold line spaced from line 52 is indicated at 62. Joined to portion 50 by this fold 62 is a vertical panel 64. A still further parallel fold line at 68 connects a rectangular bottom floor panel section as at 66. In assembled condition (FIG, 2) vertical portions 56 and 64 are folded back to back to provide the second vertical retainer or positioning wall with floor panel extension 66 underlying the yieldable flaps 43 and 58. This provides a floor portion section at the corner of the tray corresponding to the floor portion 32 and covers the remainer of the exposed area of the tray bottom.

As clearly seen by both FIGS. 2 and 3 a post 70 extends from the floor of the assembled tray. Conveniently this may be, as shown, in the form of a hollow tapered pin or post having a flanged base 72 for insuring the upright position of the post in the opening 33 of floor 32. The base 72 rests on bottom member 2 under the marginal portions of hole 33.

From FIG. 3 the disposition of a revolver 75 in the assembled carton is seen. The barrel portion 76 lies in a tipped position against the diagonal wall 34 when the trigger guard 77 is slipped over post 70. This leaves the butt or grip portion 78 of the revolver also lying in a tipped position directed towards the other corner of wall 8 while the barrel is directed towards the opposite corner.

It will also be noted that the top surface of the barrel 76 and the receiver or breech portion is shown in snug relation against wall 34. It will be appreciated that this is due to the spacing between the trigger guard and these upper surfaces and also that in a great variety of gun designs this spacing is generally more or less uniform. Accordingly, the relative spacing as shown is intended to accommodate a relatively large number of different styles and makes of revolvers. Assisting in the ability to yieldably urge the barrel portion against wall 34 is the flap 58 of the bracing vertical wall portion 50. The material of the blank preferably being of a stiff cardboard or corrugated paper board stock, the hinged swinging of the free flap 58 will accordingly be of a resistant although yieldable character. Thus where a barrel diameter is less than that shown in FIG. 3 the flap 58 will accordingly be initially angled upwardly from the FIG. 3 position so as to retain the barrel against wall 34. In the event relatively rough handling of a carton weakens the flap 58 action, the amount of pivotal shifting of the barrel will nonetheless be of little consequence because of the stiffer bracing quality of the wall 50 limiting any appreciable movement.

The particular tray as shown has been specifically designed for revolvers having a barrel length of 4 inches or less. The disposition of the post 70 in a central position towards the front wall of the tray will dispose the hand grip of the great majority of revolver styles and makes within the area shown at the left hand side opposite the vertical wall portions. The wall 34 in addition has been cut as shown to terminate at the edge 36 so as to completely avoid interference with any of the usual rear sight structures on the top of the barrel as, for example, a buck or horn sight member indicated at 80. Likewise accommodation has been made for a front sight element such as a conventional blade sight indicated at 82. In the latter case the flap 43 creased at the fold line 42 will yield as may be needed to permit the sight 82 to project under the deck 38. Thus the sight structure of a revolver or pistol, which are the parts most vulnerable to damage in rough handling of containers in shipment, etc. if the guns are not otherwise cushioned in a container, are effectively protected against damage from rough handling in transit by the simple tray construction illustrated.

In FIGS. 5 and 6 a modification of the blank and assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2 is shown. The portions of the blank and carton not appearing in these figures may be similar to those of FIGS. 1 and 2. Preferably, however, the portions are of larger dimension. The alternative construction of FIGS. 5 and 6 has been found suitable for revolver models and styles having a barrel length from 4 to 6 inches. The blank when compared to FIG. 1 will be seen as somewhat less detailed, the difference being in the nature of the second vertical Supporting wall.

In FIG. 5 the extension of inner front wall 30' will be seen as joined by a fold line 31 extending for the full length thereof. The edge of floor portion 32 thus extends across the entire front edge of bottom 2. The diagonally positioned vertical wall 34' is joined to floor 32' by fold line 35'. At one edge of Wall 34 is the cut 36 and at the other edge the fold line 42' joins the free flap 43' thereto. Flap 43 is cut from floor portion 32' at 46' and from the deck portion 38' by cut 44'. Deck 38' is folded at the top of wall 34' along line 37' and the vertical supporting flap 41 is folded along line 39". As will be seen from FIG. 6 these portions are assembled in the same fashion as shown by FIG. 2.

The second vertical wall portion 50' is provided in this alternative form by a plurality of flaps of an accordion fold type, Joined to the edge of front wall 30' by double fold lines at 52 the portion 50' comprises three sections 90, 92, and 94 folded on lines 96 parallel to line 52'. In assembled form the wall portion 50' extends from the corners of the carton with the sections folded on each other to yieldably support the end of a revolver barrel extending along wall 34. The yielding nature of the accordion fold will again serve to accommodate, with a cushioned support, a variety of styles of barrels having slightly varying dimensions but between 4 to 6 inches in length. The flap 43' will swing inwardly under deck 38 to accommodate various types of front sights and permit a barrel to be inserted or removed without interference.

In both forms of carton the horizontal deck portion provides an upper surface on which printed matter may be attractively displayed. And the chamber underneath may be used, if desired, for storing small parts or accessories.

It will be apparent, particularly from the showing of FIG. 3, that the mounting of a revolver on the post securely positions it for motion of a pivotal nature only, and that the cushioned embrace of the barrel end between a diagonal wall 34 or 34 and an opposed vertical wall 50 or 50' will serve to maintain the desired positioning of all portions in spaced relation to any of the carton side walls.

What is claimed is:

1. A display packaging carton construction for articles having a revolver shaped contour with a trigger guardlike opening on which it may be pivotally mounted, said construction comprising;

a container tray with sidewalls and a bottom wall,

an upstanding post affixed to the bottom wall and positioned adjacent one sidewall in generally central relation thereto,

an article supporting wall extending from the bottom wall in spaced opposed relation to said post and diagonally related to a corner of said sidewalls opposite said one sidewall.

a second article supporting wall extending from the bottom wall in spaced opposed relation to and adjacent that end of said first supporting wall which is remote from said post,

whereby a revolver type article placed with its trigger guard-like opening on said post may be held against pivotal movement by placing that portion of the article corresponding to the barrel of a revolver between said first and second article supporting walls.

'2. A carton construction as in claim 1 in which said sidewalls, bottom wall, and article supporting walls are of paper board material and comprise a blank from which said wall portion-s are foldably formed.

3. A carton construct-ion as in claim 2 in which said article supporting walls comprise sections cut and folded from extending portions of one of said sidewalls and include a floor portion overlying said bottom wall and having a post-hole opening, and a post having a flanged base is seated on the bottom wall with the post being held in said opening.

4. A carton construction as in claim 3 in which said diagonally related supporting wall has a vertical deck section extending from its upper edge and the said supporting wall terminates in spaced relation to the sidewalls comprising the said corner of the carton whereby the front and rear top sights on a revolver barrel may extend beyond the respective end edges of the supporting wall.

5. A car-ton construction as in claim 4 in which said second article supporting wall is formed from upwardly folded sections of said floor portion and includes a flap yielda'bly extending from the edge opposed to said first support wall.

6. A carton construction as in claim 4 in which said second article supporting wall extends inwardly from an end edge of said one sidewall and provides a plurality of sections folded one against the other to yieldably support the barrel portion.

7. In a display packing carton for revolvers and like articles having a one piece blank construction forming a rectangular tray structure with a bottom wall and sidewalls, the improvement which comprises portions of the blank extending from one of the longer sidewalls and being folded interiorly of the tray, said extensions including a fioor portion having an opening, a trigger guard post seated on the bottom wall and extending through said opening adjacent said one sidewall, said extending portions further defining at one side of the carton interior first and second internal vertical walls, the first of said walls being in opposed spaced relation to the post and disposed in diagonal relationship to one corner of the other of the longer sidewalls, the second vertical wall being positioned to provide a bracing portion in opposed spaced relation to said first wall for holding a revolver barrel placed along said first wall when the trigger guard of the revolver is placed on said post, the post providing a pivot point for disposing the barrel of a revolver in braced relation between said vertical walls and directed generally towards one corner end of the first of the longer sidewalls of the carton with the butt end disposed generally towards the corner at the other end thereof.

8. A one piece carton blank construction for packaging revolvers and the like as in claim 7 in which said interiorly folded portions extend from the upper edge of said one sidewall and said vertical walls are folded upwardly from said fioor portion.

9. A one piece carton blank construction for packaging revolvers and the like as in claim 7 in which said floor portion and first vertical wall portion extends from the upper edge of said one sidewall and said second vertical wall portion extends from the end edge of the said one sidewall.

10. In a display packaging car-ton construction in combination with an article having a revolver shaped contour with a barrel portion and a trigger guard-like opening on which it may be pivota-lly mounted, said construction comprising;

a container tray with sidewalls and a bottom wall,

an upstanding post afiixed to the bottom wall and positioned adjacent one sidewall in generally central relation thereto,

an article supporting wall extending from the bottom wall in spaced opposed relation to said post and diagonally related to a corner of said sidewalls opposite said one sidewall,

a second article supporting wall extending from the bottom wall in spaced opposed relation to and adjacent that end of said first supporting wall which is remote from said post, and

said article having its trigger guard-like opening mounted on said post and the barrel portion thereof engaged between said first and second article supporting walls.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,349,376 5/1944 Ray 224-22 2,853,185 9/1958 Rollie 206-52 3,156,351 11/1964 Small 20616 JOSEPH R. LEC'LAlIR, Primary Examiner. 

